Review Last Chapter: Rebecca is now stuck as Sain's tent partner and his battle partner as well. During the battle, she was saved by the new member name Raven, who is Priscilla's childhood friend. The boys had a party and got drunk except for a couple of people. Rebecca was stuck dealing with a drunk Sain. She signed a contract in marrying him so he can shut up.
Sorry if I don't make Sain as girl-lover as much as in the game. I tried to add a little sense into him, so he can be at least a bit of a man. Thank you to all who reviewed. I really need more critism please!
Serra19: A request? Hm, I think I will add more like that in the future. Right now, I am working on how much Sain is trying to get Rebecca. Trying to put a little bit of humor in at least. To Priscilla fans again, I am sorry to what I am going to do with Priscilla in the future. Just giving you a head start.
Anonymous reviewers: I just decided to leave that option off so you guys can review too.
I do not own Fire Emblem or any of its characters. My tactician name is Ada. Affinity- Fire.
Chapter VIII: Sain's Note
That morning, Rebecca woke up in her cheerful mood. She slowly put down her lush green hair, and started brushing it gently before tying it into braids again. She stared at the knight, sleeping soundly on his bed while smiling happily. She just shook her head at this sight and grabbed the contract that says she's going to marry him. She stared at it for a moment, remembering the night before in which she hastily agreed so he can go to bed. She is now regretting this agreement.
"I don't know if I want to keep this paper lying around. Maybe I should ripped it while he's still sleeping." Thought Rebecca out loud. Rebecca was about to rip it in half when she can't. She cannot rip it; she wants to keep it for herself. Rebecca folded the paper in half and put it safely in her pocket. She started heading for the kitchen, the place where she found most relaxing besides her own not-so-personal tent.
The sun was awfully bright today especially for a day off, and Rebecca was in a good cheery mood. It seems like nothing can make her stop smiling today. She just adores cooking and Lady Ada hired her as the group's cook, herself. She was skipping happily to the tent to cook some delicious pancakes for everyone this morning. When she opened the tent, she expected to see no one inside, but there was one person inside. It was Lord Raven.
"Hello, Raven. I didn't know you could cook." Rebecca remarked, walking over to his side. He was reading this cookbook curiously. He looked up at her and looked back down into the book at once. Rebecca still remembered last night when they were eating dinner happily together. She felt safe around him and she can feel her heart beat loudly in her head and her chest.
"Oh, it's you…No, I don't know how to cook." Raven replied an answer at last, a short one. Rebecca grinned and grabbed the cookbook out of his hands immediately. Raven was a bit shocked by this and stared at Rebecca in confusion.
"Don't worry, you'll be cooking in no time! I can teach you better than any cookbook in this world could." Rebecca said confidently as she grabbed an apron for herself and one for Raven. Raven caught the apron and smiled when Rebecca didn't notice. Raven found Rebecca not only a little stubborn like himself, but tough as well.
Meanwhile, Lady Ada was walking and talking with Lord Hector outside in the open field on this day off. Lady Ada did not like the idea of a day off. "I don't know if we should stop for lunch, Lord Hector. I am thinking of moving really fast to go to the port in one day's walk." Lady Ada said, as she closed her weary eyes. Lord Hector noticed this and worried for her health.
"Lady Ada, you're tired enough. You need rest." Lord Hector assured her, putting his hands on her shoulders and gave her a little rub. He usually did this when she's tired from those long battles in their tent at night. Lady Ada likes it when Lord Hector does this, and that's why he haven't stop yet.
Lady Ada smiled at this little massage, the reaction Lord Hector expected to get, and stared into the sky with deep thoughts in mind. "I care about Eliwood's father. I don't want anything to happen to him. I don't want to come to the Dread Isle to see a dead body either. We need to move, Hector." Lady Ada said, still in thought. She frowned a bit now.
"But, Lady Ada, you need rest. What should we do without your sound advice? We will lose in battle without you. We need you to take care of yourself and nothing else for now." Lord Hector said, trying to convince Lady Ada once more and put his arms over her shoulders carefully. This was a familiar friendly embrace Lady Ada got used to ever since he visited her before she goes to sleep every night. Especially the night Serra caught Lord Hector holding on to Lady Ada's hand when trying to show her the way to Ostia. Serra never forgot that night, and neither does Lord Hector.
"You're right, Hector. What if something does happen to me? What should you guys do?" Lady Ada jumped at this thought and got out of Hector's arms in a nervous way. She looked more troubled than tired now.
Lord Hector quickly announced, "Then you should train a replacement. I doubt anything would happen to you, but just to be sure. Please get some rest." Lord Hector persuaded again. This time Lady Ada nodded happily.
"Thank you, Hector. I already have someone in mind for a replacement. And also, Hector…" Lady Ada looked into Lord Hector's blue gaze. "Call me Ada." Lord Hector turned bright red now and was about to tell her his feelings for her when Oswin interrupted this moment by telling Lord Hector that he should go eat breakfast. Lord Hector looked angrily at Oswin for messing his perfect chance. Lord Hector quickly apologized and left with Oswin. Lady Ada chuckled under her breath and looked for Serra. It didn't take her long. Serra was still in her tent, brushing her cherry hair.
"Serra. Do you have a moment?" Lady Ada asked quietly, trying not to wake Erk up from his happy slumber. Erk was sleeping in late for staying up the previous night.
Serra quickly finished her hair and replied, "Yes, I do! Let's talk outside!" Even when talking, Serra's voice was loud and it stirred Erk a bit. Serra giggled quietly to see this little movement from her love as she followed Lady Ada outside.
Serra and Lady Ada walked outside, side by side. The cool hair was rushing through Lady Ada's lavender hair as Serra stared in amazement, "How do keep your hair so straight?"
Lady Ada chortled at this but replied, "I don't know. But that's not why we're talking, are we?"
Serra turned red and quickly answered, "Of course not, Lady Ada. What do you need to speak to me for?"
"Do you ever think of being a tactician?" Lady Ada popped an unexpecting question but Serra answered shyly.
"Well, no not really. But I really want to know more about being a tactician. It is nice to just command people to do as you please."
Lady Ada giggled at this but she kept her stern face back on. "It is not all fun and games, Serra. It takes a lot of skill to be a good tactician. I don't just command people for the fun of it. I always have to think at the people's life at stake and who is good where." Serra frowned a bit at this answer.
"I never knew that being a tactician takes a lot of work like that! I thought being a healer is hard. But why do you ask Lady Ada?" Serra asked suspiciously.
"Ever thought of being my assistance of some sort. Lord Hector made a good point today. What if something happens to me, who should command the group? That's why I am asking you this question." Lady Ada answered, being serious now. Serra was now frozen in her tracks.
Serra shrieked, "I would be delighted to be your personal assistance or substitute! That would be my honor! But nothing will ever happen to you, I'm sure." Lady Ada smiled and changed the subject.
"How are you going with Erk? You guys seem very fond of each other."
"Oh, Lady Ada. Truthfully, I love him very much. But sometimes I wish I had the power to change him so he can stop hiding in his tent and read all day. I want him to be more open, you know." Serra said, wanting to know if Lady Ada understands any of this.
"Yes, I hope you can change him too. That's why you're Serra, the only one that he can open to." Lady Ada answered as Lady Ada apologized to leave so soon. Lady Ada didn't know why she chose Serra for this important position. She could have chose Priscilla, Florina, or any other member of the group but she chose Serra. Maybe it's that high self-confidence that Lady Ada trusted most in Serra.
Sain woke up from his bed that morning and rubbing his head hard to think. He was getting a really big headache and he can't remember much from what happen last night. All he remembered was talking to Lowen about how much he enjoyed staying with this group. He washed his face and fixed his hair to look nice for all those ladies out there. Rebecca's bed was empty. Sain changed into his nice green armor and left the tent. Wonder where all the ladies are?
Sain walked out and then, saw the first bright thing in his mind. It was Priscilla, who was standing outside Sain's tent and thinking about Erk. "Hello there, fair Priscilla. How is your day?"
Priscilla was still angry with Serra and Erk. She absolutely hated Serra for loving her Erk, and hate it even more that Erk likes Serra back. She must do something to get Erk back to her side. Priscilla turned and smiled sweetly at Sain suddenly, "Hi there, Sain. My day is fine. You want to go eat lunch with me?"
Sain was surprised. He had hit on so many girls, but none ever said yes or something like that in any way. Sain just stood there all clueless and with a stupid blank expression on his face. Priscilla was confused: Is that a no?
"You already like someone else, Sain? Never mind then." Priscilla said as Sain started to stagger for her attention again as he realized what just happen.
"Sure Priscilla! No one ever asked me out before so I am just so shocked! Did I mention how pretty you look today?" Sain asked as he walked off with Priscilla. Priscilla smirked secretly, hoping this will pull the strings on Erk.
Erk was found inside Lucius's tent that morning after waking up and lost Serra, and reading a book. Lucius was right next to him, also, reading a book. Erk had been best friends with Lucius ever since his journey with Lyn. Lucius and Erk had much in common. For one thing, they love magic and books. They were not talking to each other, but they were glad no one was bothering their reading time either. Erk was relieved to have some time to him even if he loved Serra very much.
Rebecca was still teaching Raven how to cook. Raven was a fast learner and he was boiling water well and he can make simple food now. Serra burst in the door and interrupted the two cooks. "Hey Rebecca, teach me how to cook too!" Serra exclaimed, in which Rebecca smiled. Serra didn't notice the attractive red-hair mercenary next to her best friend.
"Sure thing, Serra! What are you doing all this time, Serra?" Rebecca asked, now teaching both Raven and Serra how to make chocolate cakes. Serra was getting advice from Lady Ada on how to become a master tactician. She has all those rules running in her mind right now, but she don't know if this was the right time to tell Rebecca yet.
"Oh, nothing. I'll tell you later. Who's he?" asked Serra, curious at the new mercenary with the dark rouge hair. Serra had been with Erk all day that she never notice new members often until some time afterwards.
Rebecca looked at Raven and replied, "His name is Lord Raven. Raven, this is Serra." Raven gave Serra a small nod and went back to making the floor. Serra shrugged as she started helping the other two. Serra can't help but caught Raven and Rebecca exchange glances every now and then. It looks like these three are missing lunch today.
Which the three were making chocolate cake, Priscilla was brushing her hair inside her tent while Sain waited outside. Kent was walking by and spotted Sain outside Priscilla's tent. "Sain!" He shouted. Sain jumped and was happy and frightened to see his stubborn companion.
"Hi there, my companion Kent. How fare you?" Sain asked in a calm voice. Kent did not buy that look or that tone. Kent eyed Sain suspiciously and then back at the tent, and then at Sain again.
"Are you spying on Lady Priscilla??? She better not be naked or something! Go on your way Sain! Better yet, stay with me and guard Lady Lyndis." Kent said, almost dragging Sain by the sleeve.
Sain pulled away from Kent, shocked. "Today is our day off and you're on duty???"
Kent was turning red, and he looks like can punch Sain any second now. "What if something happens to Lady Lyndis on this 'day off'? What should we do, huh?" Kent asked, very angry now.
Sain smirked, "For your information, I am going to eat lunch with Lady Priscilla and I am NOT spying on her. That reminds me… I remember one time, you told me that if I ever go out with a girl, you would kiss any girl on the lips." Kent was sweating pretty hard now.
Kent quickly wiped his sweat and said, "I have my honor and I gave you my word. Whom do you want me to kiss?" Sain was now smiling evilly. Sain was waiting for this moment for a pretty long time now.
Sain grabbed a piece of paper he had written ages ago and written a couple of more things on it and then, handed it to Kent. Kent read it rapidly and looked up at Sain, his face all flush. "I said one! And one it is!"
Sain shook his head and repeated Kent's exact words. "I would kiss ANY girl on the lips." Kent stuffed the piece of paper in his pocket and walked away with a bad temper. Sain giggled at this, when Priscilla walked out and stared at Sain in a confuse expression but soon let it go.
"Let's go Sain!" Priscilla said as she quickly grabbed Sain's arm and walked off towards the restaurant nearby. Sain was happy of his good fortune, thinking that his good looks got Priscilla. Which to Priscilla, she was using Sain to get back at Erk.
Erk finally left his books in his tent, and started looking for Serra. He found it very hard to read without knowing if she's ok. Lucius volunteered to help search for Sister Serra and his Lord Raven. They found Lyndis and Eliwood sparring in the back of their tent (Lyn and Eliwood shared a tent) while Florina watched them. Dorcus and Bartre were wrestling nearby. Marcus, Oswin, and Lowen were found discussing some information about the Dread Isle and their homelands. Merlinus was in deep conversation with Lord Hector while Hannah was in one with Wil. Guy and Matthew were playing Hide-and-Seek. Guy was the seeker, while Matthew was the one hiding. Kent, who seems nervous for some odd reason, was in deep discussion with Lady Ada about different climate and human behavior. But they can't find Serra or Raven yet.
Raven cooked his first cake and was letting Rebecca and Serra tasting it for him. Serra gone a little pale and swallowed the cake carefully. She looked up at the nervous Raven, "I'll give it a 6 out of 10. That tastes ok for your first time, but needs a little work." Raven was now looking at Rebecca.
Rebecca was chewing the cake carefully. "Needs a little bit of this and that. I think you have too much butter and eggs. How many eggs did you put?" Rebecca asked.
Raven told her that he used 5 eggs. Rebecca shook her head, "Too much, you just need a little work and you should be able to get it right by two days." Serra nodded in agreement. Raven was starting on a new one while Rebecca tasted Serra's cake now.
"Serra, too much milk and sugar. You need little adjustments as well. What do you think Raven?" Rebecca asked, handing Raven a piece of Serra's cake. He bitten it and swallowed. He just shrugged and goes back to his cake. Serra was confused when, suddenly, Erk and Lucius walked through the door.
"Serra, there you are! I've been searching for you all day long. I never thought I see you in the kitchen." Erk commented as he looked at the messy kitchen around him.
"Erky! Finally you got away from those annoying books!" Serra exclaimed, giving Erk a big hug, which made Rebecca, Raven, and Lucius nervous in their positions. Then Serra saw Lucius, "Who is she? She looks familiar, but I don't remember where." Lucius turned bright red now.
Erk rolled his eyes and pulled Serra off him. "Serra…I…" But Serra, who is now examining Lucius's hair with curiosity, interrupted Erk.
"Very nice, soft blond hair indeed. You're not trying to steal Erk away from me, are you? He's mine, ok? Mine! Not even Priscilla can steal him away from me!" Serra was now shouting at Lucius, who is totally confused what just happened. Raven and Rebecca are slowly backing away and backing away until they were inches away from the door.
Rebecca and Raven were about to leave when Serra hollered, "Rebecca! Raven! Where do you think you're going??? Who is this? Rebecca, why didn't you tell me???" Rebecca and Raven stopped in their tracks, and turned around to stare at an upset Serra. Rebecca was looking at Erk for help, who she found was amused by all this. Of course, Erk was happy to see Serra as the loud frail priestess he promised to escort a year ago again instead of the quiet, crying one he saw a few days ago.
"Well you see…" Rebecca was starting to explain when they heard a loud shriek from outside. "Lady Ada." They all said in unison. Rebecca and Lucius both sighed.
The scene was very "funny" in a way. Lady Ada was standing in the middle of the field, with her hands in round fists. Her face was all red with embarrassment and anger. Standing on the opposite of her was Kent, who was looking down at boots. It seems like everyone heard it and went to look except for Priscilla and Sain, who would had been very happy to see the whole incident.
"Kent, I can't believe you! How dare you do such a thing! I would imagine Sain, but you??? I am so disappointed in you, Kent!" Lady Ada was shouting really hard now, and three lords came to calm her down. Lord Hector was grabbing her squirming arms tight. An upset tactician is not a very good idea, not when there was going to be a battle one of these days.
Kent, who looked like someone knocked all the life out of him, was apologizing like crazy. "I'm sorry, I am so sorry! Lady Ada, forgive me! Please, forgive me!"
Lady Ada got out of Lord Hector's arms and slapped Kent. Everyone gasped except for Kent, who was staring deeper at the ground now in a sudden eerie kind of way. "You…I can never forgive you for this! Never!" Lady Ada was screaming now, when Lady Lyndis grabbed her right arm.
"It's ok, Ada. Everything is ok." Lyndis reassured Lady Ada, who was now panting as hard as Kent.
"Calm yourself, Lady Ada." Added Lord Eliwood, now holding on to Lady Ada's left arm to calm her slowly.
"Think clearly, Lady Ada. Kent? Come on, he won't do such a thing unless someone made him." Said Matthew, who was now helping Lady Ada as well.
"Yes, Matthew is right, Ada." Lord Hector agreed with Matthew. Then, this dangerous flash appeared in Lady Ada's eyes suddenly.
"Sain!!!" Lady Ada exclaimed as she looked around the crowd she made, but there was no sign of Sain. "Where is he? No matter, tomorrow he'll show up eventually." Lady Ada was back to her usual self, and apologized to everyone especially Kent. Everyone started to walk away to do what he or she was usually doing when the excitement was over.
Sain and Priscilla were at the restaurant the whole time everything happened. Priscilla was looking down at the diary Lady Ada gave her and decided to write in it just for the fun of it.
Dear Diary,
Where: In restaurant
Weather: Sunny, at least from the windows, but it is was disappearing every second
I have no idea what I'm doing right now. My heart felt so guilty yet so satisfied as well. Right now, Sain is going over to pay the bills but it is taking an awfully long time so I decided to write in this. What's on my mind? The only person on my mind right now is a certain mage with the most amazing purple hair and eyes. I can never love anyone but him. Sain is pretty ok, I guess. But no matter what, I will get Erk back and push Serra away from him as much as possible. I hate that cleric. She's a cleric for heaven sake! How can she "love" someone? And how could Erk love someone that annoying?
Erk, why can't you see my affection towards you? How much I longed you by my side to the end of days. I will do anything for that day to come and stay like that forever. Erk, you opened my heart but won't take it. Instead, you took her's. I hope being with Sain will be enough to see how much you need me and how much I needed you as well.
Sain, I am so sorry to play with your heart like this but I can't take another day without making a move to get the one I love. Sain, forgive me. I also hate Rebecca, as well, so I hope this will cause her to suffer dearly. I can see how she is somehow attracted to you, Sain. I have spotted a couple of times when Guy was blushing around me. Maybe I can take advantage of this…
Sain is back now, I think he was flirting with that counter girl. Now, I see. But at least, he is paying the bill with his gold. I better put this away before he sees it.
*****Priscilla*****
Back at the camp, Serra stopped Matthew in his tracks. "Matthew, you know what happen didn't you? What happened?" Serra pressured Matthew for the answer.
Matthew gave a big grin, "Do you really want to know?" Raven grabbed him by the collar and gave him an evil glare and then, dropped him on his feet again without saying a word.
Rebecca giggled as Matthew recovered slowly and answered shakily, "Well, read this piece of paper I got from his pocket, and you'll understand everything."
By holding this paper as our agreement, I will now give you the following names of ladies to kiss in the correct order: Lady Ada Lady Serra Lady Lyndis Lady Florina (barely scribbled on quickly) HannahAnd make sure you DON'T tell anyone about this besides the two of us.
-Sain
I thought I end Chapter 8 right here. It was sure long. I am happy to be done with it. Next chapter, Sain starts to deal with major problems between Rebecca and Priscilla. Serra starts making a new rival- Lucius. Kent is now trying to stay away from Lady Ada as much as possible. Raven and Rebecca become the new hired cooks. Note for the present and maybe the future: Kent is not attracted to anyone right now. Tell me if I should go with Fiora or Farina. I try to update the next one by this week or next. R & R.